Public Health Emergencies

About Public Health Emergencies

The Jefferson County Health Department works with the Local Emergency Preparedness Committee to address and anticipate emergency response needs during times of disasters, emergencies, or covert events.

Specific public health emergencies addressed by the Jefferson County Health Department include responses to the health risks occurring during a natural or man-made disaster. These could include:

Outbreaks of diseases that spread between humans or from animals to humans

Vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks within Jefferson County

The presence of flood waters, which might increase the risk of tetanus infection to unprotected persons

The risk of tetanus infection following a tornado or weather event that creates the need for humans to work with elements that could lead to open injuries / wounds

The covert release of human toxins that might require distribution of antidotes